Psychology Courses in Canada- Top Universities, Specializations & Scope

As one of the world’s most developed and multicultural countries, Canada has always given mental health supreme importance. Not only that, but it also offers some of the best psychology courses. Psychology courses in Canada are offered at the Bachelor’s, Master’s, Diploma, and Doctorate levels. 

Over 80 colleges in Canada offer psychology courses to both domestic and international students. Canadian universities provide modern infrastructure, a wide range of research opportunities, and a rich faculty and student body that aid in the overall development of students. 

If you are planning on pursuing a psychology course in Canada, you have chosen one of the best countries in the world in terms of lab facilities, research options, and specialization scope. 

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Top Universities Offering the Course across Canada 

Listed below are the top psychology courses in Canada universities, their location, and their 2023 QS ranking. 

Who is Eligible to Take up the Course?

The exact psychology courses in Canada eligibility may differ among universities. However, in general, all students applying for a Bachelor’s program need to have passed their Higher Secondary education from a recognized Board of education. 

Those applying for a Master’s level program must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from an institution recognized by the Canadian Board. The Master’s degree may be available in two research-intensive degrees – MS or MSc in psychology. 

Students applying for Doctorate-level programs need a Master’s in psychology or an equivalent degree recognized by the Canadian Board from a reputed university. Besides these, the psychology courses in Canada requirement also include proof of English proficiency by passing tests such as the TOEFL, PTE, or IELTS. 

Some universities may conduct personal tests or examinations online to test applicants’ English proficiency. Applicants may need to produce competitive GRE scores or other competitive exam results for some universities. Furnishing documents like a Statement of Purpose and Letters of Recommendation are mandatory. 

Levels of Education 

The psychology courses in Canada admission can be taken at four different levels of education, including –

1. Undergraduate or Bachelor’s Program – Two types of Bachelor’s degrees, generally of three to four-year duration, are available for psychology, namely BSc. And BA. 
2. Postgraduate or Master’s Program – Those with an undergraduate degree already can apply for a postgraduate program in psychology under MA or MSc. Degrees. The course duration is generally one to two years. 
3. Doctorate Program – Students who have completed their Master’s in psychology become eligible to pursue a Doctorate or Ph.D. course, which usually has a duration of three to five years. 
4. Diploma – Generally of one to two years, A Diploma in psychology (offered by select universities across Canada) is suitable for those who need multidisciplinary influence in a short span. 

Specializations 

The psychology courses in Canada subjects are divided mainly into core and elective options. Students studying Master’s or Doctorate-level psychology studies can choose various specializations to pursue a field they’re most interested in. Though specialization offerings differ among universities, some of the common ones include the following –

• Developmental Psychology 
• Personality Development 
• Neurobiology 
• Relationships and Sexual Wellness 
• Counseling and Clinical Psychology 
• Experimental Psychology 
• Organizational and Industrial Psychology 
• Gender and Women’s Studies 
• School Psychology 
• Behavioral Science and Autism 
• Gerontology 

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Cost of Attendance Required at Each Level of the Program 

The psychology courses in Canada fees will vary for each level of the course. The table below shows the tuition fees for different program levels. In the case of some universities, the tuition fee costs for all BSc. programs may be the same, such as the University of Alberta, where the undergraduate tuition fee amounts to USD 31,895 per year. A Master’s degree in Psychology may cost around USD 9,313 per year, as is the case with the University of British Columbia. 

Besides the tuition fees, there may be non-tuition fees also involved. The following is taken from the University of Alberta cost of attendance estimation –

Scope of Education 

Given the varied research areas and specializations, the scope of studying Psychology in Canada is vast. Students can easily explore niche areas in the field, such as child psychology, clinical psychology, cognitive psychology, and psychoanalysis. 

After pursuing psychology courses in Canada, a student can build their career as a psychologist or enter into niche roles such as clinical psychologists, social workers, counselors, educational psychologists, and more. 

For Doctorate-level students, even the path of working independently as a licensed psychologist is a viable option.

Job Prospects 

Psychology is a popular field with rising demand, and many career options open up for degree holders, be it Bachelor’s, Master’s, Diploma, or Doctorate. Students with a Master’s or Doctorate become qualified for more specialized and niche roles, as stated below –

• Social psychologist 
• Educational psychologist 
• Research psychologist 
• Psychotherapist 
• Counselor 
• Psychology professor 
• Forensic psychologist 
• Life coach 
• Play Therapist 
• Policy officer 
• Social researcher 

Expected Remuneration Salary 

Mental health and well-being career opportunities and scope has expanded over the years. Listed below are the average salary packages for the different job roles in psychology.